M&T in association with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology to offer a six-week program
HARRISBURG, Pa., April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — M&T Bank is seeking up to 40 entrepreneurs to participate in its first Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab: a program designed to provide multicultural business owners with the guidance and skills needed to build strong businesses and stimulate economic growth. for Harrisburg Capital Region and help build generational wealth for their families.
The new six-week programme, in collaboration with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE), will focus on business planning, establishing credit, access to capital, marketing, branding and networking, and will conclude with a kickoff competition and opportunity to win grants up to $5,000 funded by M&T. The Innovation Lab is launched May 5th with weekly courses held in University of Harrisburg via June 9.
Entrepreneurs interested in participating in the program must complete an online application by April 25th and meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, or Asian American;
- In business no more than three years; and,
- Annual business revenue of $350,000 or less.
Qualified applicants will be enrolled in the free program on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab is the result of focus group meetings M&T Bank conducted with several leaders from multicultural communities who described the challenges their communities face in starting and growing their businesses in the region.
“The Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab is about providing access to the information and tools entrepreneurs need to accelerate their business growth and empowering them to do so,” he said. Nora Habigregional president of M&T Bank for Central and western pennsylvania. “The program’s curriculum was intentionally developed to create an environment that helps multicultural small businesses overcome obstacles to success, and we look forward to partnering with University of Harrisburg to offer it in the Capital Region”.
The launch of the Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab is also part of M&T’s bank-wide mission to build a culturally fluid bank that understands the needs of the communities it serves and helps provide expertise and other resources needed to address those needs. In 2020, M&T created its Multicultural Banking and Diverse Market Strategy segment to specifically prioritize the needs of multicultural communities, businesses and individuals.
Last year, the bank launched its series of multicultural innovation labs for small businesses in Buffalo, NY, with a similar program that serves as a model for the Capital Region Innovation Laboratory and can be replicated in the bank’s 12 states. M&T is considering launching additional small business innovation labs this year in BuffaloHarlem, New York, and Bridgeport, Conn. – one of the Northeast markets the bank entered following its recently closed merger with People’s United Financial, Inc.
“When people from diverse racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds take a risk to start a business and pursue a dream, we need to be there and support their success,” he said. david femi, Director of Multicultural Banking and Diverse Market Strategy at M&T Bank. “Our Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab series is an important step in M&T’s work to encourage and invest in entrepreneurship in the communities we serve. These multicultural businesses, when guided and supported, can make a difference in lives.” people and improve our communities.
The Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab comes at a time when the number of minority-owned businesses in Harrisburg is growing. Of the 60 new businesses started in the city since the beginning of the year, nearly half are owned by Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino or Middle Eastern entrepreneurs, according to city officials.
“Since our administration took office, we’ve seen a boom in small, multicultural businesses across the city.” Harrisburg Mayor wanda williams saying. “When our residents of all backgrounds are represented by a diverse collection of business leaders, that is when we are at our best. City of Harrisburg is beyond excited to partner with M&T Bank and University of Harrisburg to usher in a new era of minority-owned businesses throughout the capital city.
Jamal-Jonesprogram manager at CIE, said, “CIE appears to be the hub that connects businesses with mentorship, research and technology, and we recognize the challenges faced by business owners from underrepresented groups. By participating in the Innovation Lab of Small Multicultural Companies, CIE help create an ecosystem of resources and support for entrepreneurs who most need our help”.
To apply for the Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab, click here.
About M&T Bank
M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T’s main banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, offers banking products and services in 12 northeastern US states from Maine for Virginia Y Washington D.C. Trust-related services are provided in select markets in the US and abroad by affiliated companies of M&T’s Wilmington Trust and by M&T Bank. For more information about M&T Bank, visit www.mtb.com.
About Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, University of Harrisburg is a private, not-for-profit university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. For more information about the University’s affordable demand-based undergraduate and graduate programs, call 717-901-5146 or email: [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter (@HarrisburgU) and Facebook (Facebook.com/HarrisburgU).
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SOURCE M&T Bank
